Uniformly Expandable Stent

ABSTRACT

An intraluminal prosthesis includes a stent architecture having a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis. One series of stent elements includes v-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and V-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent v-shaped stent elements. One series of stent elements includes R-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and U-shaped stent elements having at least two different orientations, the U-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements. Adjacent series of stent elements can be connected by connectors. Portions of the stent elements may narrow in width along a length thereof. The stent architecture may include radiopaque element receiving members. The stent architecture may be formed by machining a metal or polymer tube. The intraluminal prosthesis may include one or more graft layers.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/754,614, filed Jun. 29, 2015, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/797,747, filed Mar. 12, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,066,825, which claims the benefit of priority to: 1) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/646,806, filed May 14, 2012; 2) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/678,485, filed Aug. 1, 2012; and 3) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/708,445, filed Oct. 1, 2012, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

BACKGROUND

Intraluminal prostheses used to maintain, open, or dilate blood vessels are commonly known as stents. Stents have been developed for use in various lumens of the body, including, for example, the biliary tree, venous system, peripheral arteries, and coronary arteries. Stent constructions generally include cylindrical frames that define a plurality of openings.

There are two broad classes of stents: self-expanding stents and balloon expandable stents. Self-expanding stents are typically characterized by intraluminal expansion when a constraining force is removed, such as an outer sheath of a stent delivery system, and/or in the presence of an elevated temperature (due to material properties thereof). Self-expanding stents are generally loaded into a stent delivery system by collapsing the stent from an expanded configuration at a first larger diameter to a collapsed configuration at a second smaller diameter. Balloon expandable stents are typically characterized by intraluminal expansion via an inflation force, such as a balloon catheter. Balloon expandable stents are generally loaded onto a balloon catheter through a crimping process to transition the stent to a collapsed configuration, and are plastically deformed when the balloon is inflated in the body vessel to the expanded configuration.

There are two basic architectures for stents, circumferential and helical. Circumferential configurations generally include a series of cylindrical rings, formed by a series of connected struts, joined together by connecting elements or bridges along a longitudinal axis of the stent. Helical configurations include a continuous helical structure along the longitudinal axis of the stent with adjacent windings, formed by a series of connected struts, connected by one or more connecting elements or bridges.

Stents for use in the arterial and venous systems can be made by machining a pattern of struts and connecting elements from a metal tube, typically by laser machining the pattern into the tube. The pattern of struts and connecting elements can be configured depending on the desired attributes. For example, the pattern can be configured to enhance flexibility or bendability. The pattern can also be configured to ensure uniform expansion and prevent foreshortening of the stent upon intraluminal expansion.

Synthetic vascular grafts are routinely used to restore the blood flow in patients suffering from vascular diseases. For example, prosthetic grafts made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are commonly used and have shown favorable patency rates, meaning that depending on a given time period, the graft maintains an open lumen for the flow of blood therethrough. Grafts formed of ePTFE include a microstructure characterized by spaced apart nodes connected by fibrils, the distance between the nodes defined as internodal distance (IND), and are generally extruded either as a tube or as a sheet or film that is fashioned into a tube. Grafts can also be created from fibers woven or knitted into a generally tubular shape. Stents may be fully or partially covered with a graft material, such as ePTFE, on the stent's luminal surface, abluminal surface or both luminal and abluminal surfaces.

Stents may include image enhancing features so that they can be viewed fluoroscopically following intraluminal deployment. Examples of such features include radiopaque markers attached to the stent or integral with the stent, or attached to the one or more graft layers associated with the stent. The image enhancing features generally include a material that is highly visible under fluoroscopy, such as gold, platinum, tantalum, and alloys thereof.

SUMMARY

Intraluminal prostheses including stent architectures are described herein. In one embodiment, a stent architecture includes a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis, the stent elements including v-shaped stent elements having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a peak portion, the v-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and V-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent v-shaped stent elements such that the second leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements is connected to a V-shaped element, the second leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements narrowing in width toward the V-shaped stent element. In one embodiment, the first leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent architecture. In one embodiment, the stent architecture includes a plurality of series of stent elements, adjacent series of stent elements connected by a plurality of connectors. In one embodiment, the plurality of connectors are straight and connect peak portions of select v-shaped stent elements of adjacent series of stent elements. In one embodiment, the connectors have a width equal to a width of the first leg portion of the v-shaped stent elements.

In one embodiment, the peak portion of a first orientation of the v-shaped stent element is longitudinally spaced a distance from the peak portion of a second orientation of the v-shaped stent element, wherein the first orientation and second orientation are adjacent to one another. In one embodiment, the v-shaped stent elements has four orientations and the peak portion of each of the four orientations of the v-shaped stent element is longitudinally spaced a distance from the peak portion of its adjacent v-shaped stent element. In one embodiment, the distance is in the range from about 0.005 inch to about 0.035 inch.

In one embodiment, the adjacent series of v-shaped and V-shaped stent elements are connected by a plurality of connectors. In one embodiment, the connectors include a radius of curvature and are generally curved. In one embodiment, the curved connectors have a first orientation and a second orientation opposite of the first orientation. In one embodiment, the first orientation of the curved connectors are aligned along a connector circumferential axis, and the second orientation of curved connectors are aligned along an adjacent connector circumferential axis, the aligned first orientation of the curved connectors and aligned second orientation of the curved connectors alternating along a longitudinal axis of the stent architecture. In one embodiment, the first orientation of the curved connectors and second orientation of the curved connectors alternate along each circumferential axis. In one embodiment, the curved connectors have a width less than any width of the v-shaped stent elements and the V-shaped stent elements.

In one embodiment, the stent architecture includes zig-zag rings attached to a proximal end and a distal end thereof.

In one embodiment, a stent architecture includes a plurality of zig-zag rings, each ring including a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis, the stent elements including first, second, third, and fourth stent elements connected by first, second, third, and fourth peak portions, adjacent zig-zag rings connected by a plurality of connectors to form stent cells, the stent cells along a circumferential axis having the same shape, the shape of the stent cells along a first circumferential axis different from the shape of the stent cells along an adjacent second circumferential axis. In one embodiment, the stent elements of a first zig-zag ring are a mirror image of the stent elements of a second adjacent zig-zag ring.

In one embodiment, a stent architecture having a plurality of stent cells, including a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis, the stent elements including R-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, the R-shaped stent elements having at least a first straight portion, and U-shaped stent elements having at least two different orientations, the U-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements such that the first straight portion of each of the R-shaped stent elements is connected to a U-shaped stent element, the first straight portion of each of the R-shaped stent elements narrowing in width toward the U-shaped stent element. In one embodiment, the R-shaped stent elements include at least first, second, third and fourth curved radius portions. In one embodiment, the plurality of stent cells includes a first stent cell and a second stent cell different from the first stent cell, the first and second stent cells alternating along the circumferential axis.

In one embodiment, the R-shaped stent elements include a first R-shaped stent element in a first orientation, a second R-shaped stent element in a second orientation different from the first orientation, a third R-shaped stent element oriented in a third orientation different from the first and second orientations, and a fourth R-shaped stent element in a fourth orientation different from the first, second, and third orientations. In one embodiment, the U-shaped stent elements include a first U-shaped stent element in a first orientation and a second U-shaped stent element oriented in a second orientation different from the first orientation. In one embodiment, the first R-shaped stent element is connected to the second U-shaped stent element and the second R-shaped stent element, wherein the second R-shaped stent element is connected to the first R-shaped stent element and the first U-shaped stent element, wherein the first U-shaped stent element is connected to the second R-shaped stent element and the third R-shaped stent element, wherein the third R-shaped stent element is connected to the first U-shaped stent element and the fourth R-shaped stent element, and wherein the fourth R-shaped stent element is connected to the third R-shaped stent element and the second U-shaped stent element.

In one embodiment, the stent architecture includes a plurality of connectors connecting adjacent series of stent elements. In one embodiment, the adjacent series of stent elements and the connectors define stent cells. In one embodiment, a first stent cell pattern and a second stent cell pattern alternate along a circumferential axis. In one embodiment, the first and second stent cell patterns are longitudinally offset along a longitudinal axis of the stent architecture.

In one embodiment, the connectors connect the first R-shaped stent element in a first series of stent elements to the third R-shaped stent element in a second adjacent series of stent elements. In one embodiment, the connectors further connect the fourth R-shaped stent element in the first series of stent elements to the second R-shaped stent element in the second adjacent series of stent elements. In one embodiment, the plurality of connectors are attached to one of a first, second, third, and fourth curved radius portions of the R-shaped stent elements. In one embodiment, the connectors connect the first U-shaped stent element in the first series of stent elements to the second U-shaped stent element in the second adjacent series of stent elements.

In one embodiment, the connectors connecting the R-shaped stent elements include a radius of curvature and are generally curved. In one embodiment, the curved connectors have a first orientation and a second orientation opposite of the first orientation. In one embodiment, the first orientation of the curved connector is convex and the second orientation of the curved connector is concave for a given perspective. In one embodiment, the first orientation of the curved connectors are aligned along a connector circumferential axis, and the second orientation of curved connectors are aligned along an adjacent connector circumferential axis, the aligned first orientation of the curved connectors and aligned second orientation of the curved connectors alternating along a longitudinal axis of the stent architecture. In one embodiment, the first orientation of the curved connectors and second orientation of the curved connectors alternate along each circumferential axis. In one embodiment, the connectors connecting the R-shaped stent elements are straight. In one embodiment the connectors at the ends of the stent architecture are curved and the connectors in the middle of the stent architecture are straight.

In one embodiment, the straight connectors connect the first U-shaped stent element in the first series of stent elements to the second U-shaped stent element in the second adjacent series of stent elements.

In one embodiment, the stent architecture includes receiving members extending from one or both ends. In one embodiment, the receiving members are shaped to receive a radiopaque element. In one embodiment, the receiving members include a post portion and an enlarged portion. In one embodiment, the receiving members include a bore or opening sized to receive a radiopaque element therein.

In one embodiment, a stent architecture includes a plurality of stent cells, the stent cells including a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis, the stent elements including R-shaped stent elements having at least a first straight portion, and U-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent R-shaped stent elements such that the first straight portion of each of the R-shaped stent elements is connected to a U-shaped element, the first straight portion of each of the R-shaped stent elements narrowing in width toward the U-shaped stent element. In one embodiment, the plurality of stent cells includes a first stent cell and a second stent cell different from the first stent cell, the first and second stent cells alternating along the circumferential axis.

In one embodiment, an intraluminal prosthesis includes a stent architecture formed by machining a tube, the stent architecture having a plurality of stent cells with a plurality of connectors connecting the stent cells, the stent cells including a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis, the stent elements including R-shaped stent elements having at least first, second, third and fourth curved radius portions, the R-shaped stent elements having at least four different orientations, and U-shaped stent elements having at least two different orientations, the U-shaped stent elements connecting select adjacent R-shaped stent elements. In one embodiment, the R-shaped stent elements include a first R-shaped stent element in a first orientation, a second R-shaped stent element in a second orientation different from the first orientation, a third R-shaped stent element oriented in a third orientation different from the first and second orientations, and a fourth R-shaped stent element in a fourth orientation different from the first, second, and third orientations. In one embodiment, the U-shaped stent elements include a first U-shaped stent element in a first orientation and a second U-shaped stent element oriented in a second orientation different from the first orientation. In one embodiment, the first R-shaped stent element is connected to the second U-shaped stent element and the second R-shaped stent element, wherein the second R-shaped stent element is connected to the first R-shaped stent element and the first U-shaped stent element, wherein the first U-shaped stent element is connected to the second R-shaped stent element and the third R-shaped stent element, wherein the third R-shaped stent element is connected to the first U-shaped stent element and the fourth R-shaped stent element, and wherein the fourth R-shaped stent element is connected to the third R-shaped stent element and the second U-shaped stent element. In one embodiment, each R-shaped stent element includes at least a first straight portion that narrows in width toward the connected U-shaped stent element.

The stent architectures according to embodiments described herein may include a covering. In one embodiment, the covering includes one or more graft layers attached to the stent architecture. In one embodiment, the one or more graft layers include an inner expanded polyfluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft layer and an outer ePTFE graft layer. In one embodiment, the inner ePTFE graft layer and the outer ePTFE graft layer are positioned over the stent architecture as extruded tubes of unsintered ePTFE, and are sintered together through openings in the stent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 1A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 1C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 1A indicating various dimensions.

FIG. 2A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 2A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 3A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 1A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 3C is a front view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 3A in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 4A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 4A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 4C is a top view of a stent embodiment in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 5A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 5A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 5C is a top view of a stent embodiment in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 6A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 6A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 6C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 6A indicating various dimensions.

FIG. 6D is a front view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 6A in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 7A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 7A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 7C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 7A indicating various dimensions.

FIG. 7D is an isometric view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 7A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 8A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 8A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 9A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 9B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 9A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 9C is a flat view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 9A indicating various dimensions.

FIG. 10A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 10B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 10A in an as-cut configuration.

FIG. 11A is a flat view of a stent embodiment in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the stent embodiment of FIG. 10A in an as-cut configuration.

DESCRIPTION

The following description and accompanying figures, which describe and show certain embodiments, are made to demonstrate, in a non-limiting manner, several possible configurations of an expandable stent frame according to various aspects and features of the present disclosure. The patterns shown and described herein may be incorporated into any intraluminal prosthesis, such as a self-expanding stent or a balloon expandable stent, without limitation. In one embodiment, the patterns disclosed herein may be machined (e.g., laser machined) into a seamless tube of metal or polymer. Non-limiting examples of potential metal tubes include stainless steel (e.g., AISI 316 SS), titanium, cobalt-chromium alloys, and nickel titanium (nitinol). In other embodiments, the patterns disclosed herein may be formed into a sheet of metal or polymer that is rolled into a tubular shape. The tubes or sheets may be heat-treated prior to machining the pattern therein, and the machined tubes or sheets may be annealed and/or electro-polished. Other known pre-processing and post-processing methods are also contemplated herein.

As used herein, the term “stent architecture” means the various features of the stent that contribute to its form, including the pattern in the stent wall. The term “stent cell” means a portion of the pattern in the stent wall that may be repeating along a circumferential and/or longitudinal path.

The stents described herein may be covered by one or more graft layers. The presence of a graft layer on the luminal surface and/or abluminal surface of a stent may influence the design of the stent architecture. For example, the expansion behavior of the stent may be tailored to avoid tearing or ripping of the graft material during deployment. It has been observed that the greater the uniformity of stent expansion, the fewer issues with graft tearing, detachment, etc. Another consideration that may influence the design of the stent architecture include excessive foreshortening of the stent during expansion from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration, which can lead to inaccurate stent deployment. Still other considerations include flexibility of the stent and patency of the stent in vivo, and minimal profile of the stent in the collapsed delivery configuration.

In certain embodiments described herein, the stent architecture is designed to prevent excessive foreshortening (i.e., the stent gets shorter as it transitions from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration), which can lead to inaccurate stent deployment in a body vessel, and to ensure uniform radial expansion. For example, it has been discovered that narrowing of the strut width at strategic locations in a given stent cell promotes uniform expansion of the stent cell.

Intraluminal prostheses described herein may include stents encapsulated by a graft material, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,749,880 and 6,124,523, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. In one embodiment, an inner ePTFE graft layer is positioned over a mandrel. In one embodiment, the inner ePTFE graft layer placed over the mandrel is an extruded tube of unsintered ePTFE. The stent is placed over the inner ePTFE graft layer so that the luminal (inner) surface of the stent contacts the inner ePTFE graft layer, and an outer ePTFE graft layer is positioned over the abluminal (outer) surface of the stent. In one embodiment, the outer ePTFE graft layer placed over the stent is also an extruded tube of unsintered ePTFE. In one embodiment the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers are extruded at their encapsulation diameters (i.e., neither are radially manipulated prior to encapsulation). In one embodiment, the encapsulation diameters are about 4 mm. In one embodiment, the stent is fully encapsulated along its length such that both proximal and distal ends of the stent are covered by ePTFE graft material. In one embodiment, the stent is encapsulated at a diameter slightly smaller than the as-cut diameter but larger than the collapsed delivery diameter.

One or more PTFE tape layers may then be wrapped over the outer ePTFE graft layer, and the assembly is placed in a heating device, such as an oven, to sinter the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers together through the openings in the stent architecture. Following the sintering step, the PTFE tape layer(s) are removed and the stent-graft is crimped (in the case of a balloon expandable stent) or collapsed (in the case of a self-expanding stent) into its collapsed configuration. In one embodiment, the inner ePTFE graft layer and outer ePTFE graft layer have the same microstructure and thickness. In one embodiment, the microstructure includes a uniaxial fibril orientation. In one embodiment, the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers have an internodal distance (IND) in the range from about 10 μm to about 40 μm. In one embodiment, each of the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers has a thickness in the range from about 0.07 mm to about 0.13 mm. In one embodiment, each of the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers each has a thickness in the range from about 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably about 0.14 mm.

In one embodiment, the stent-graft assembly may be reinforced with a middle ePTFE graft layer, including spaced apart rings or strips of ePTFE of about 2 mm wide positioned at the proximal end of the stent-graft, the center of the stent-graft, and the distal end of the stent-graft. The middle ePTFE graft layer may be sintered ePTFE material. Examples of interlayer members are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,047, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. The middle ePTFE graft layer may have the same node alignment as the inner and outer ePTFE graft layers or may be different therefrom, for example perpendicular or at a 45° angle.

The drawings herein indicated as showing the various stents in an expanded configuration are laid flat depictions of the stents following formation of the pattern, for example by laser machining a tube of polymer or metal material. This is one possible expanded configuration shown for ease of reference. It should be appreciated that, depending on the size of the vessel in which the stents described herein is inserted, the stent could be expanded to a diameter larger than the diameter depicted, which would slightly alter the shape and/or relationship of stent elements and/or connectors to one another (e.g., aspects of the stent that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent may be oblique at larger expanded diameters). The drawings indicated as showing the various stents in an as-cut configuration are top views of the stent following formation thereof, for example, by laser machining a metal or polymer tube. In one embodiment, the stent architectures and patterns described herein are formed in a tube having a diameter of about 4.8 mm. In one embodiment, the stent architectures and patterns described herein are formed in a tube having a diameter of about 6.4 mm. Of course, these are non-limiting examples of tube diameters, as a wide range of tube diameters are contemplated herein. In general, the tube diameter will be selected based on the target vessel diameter for which the stent is intended to be placed (e.g., larger tube diameters will be selected for larger target vessels). The stent embodiments described herein may have a longitudinal length from a proximal end to a distal end, indicated as e in the figures, in the range from about 15 mm to about 70 mm, although shorter and longer lengths are also contemplated without limitation, depending on the particular stent application.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, a first stent architecture 10 is shown, including a sequentially repeating pattern of stent cells 12 and 14 aligned along a series of circumferential axes perpendicular to a longitudinal axis L. Any number of circumferential axes along which the pattern of stent cells is arranged is possible, depending on various stent dimensional features including, for example, overall stent length, stent cell length, connector length, etc. The stent cells 12 and 14 are formed by stent elements described herein according to the letter resemblance thereof, the stent elements repeating along the circumferential axes. According to one embodiment, the R-shaped stent elements are similar or identical to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,292, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

Beginning from the top left side of FIG. 1A, a repeating series of stent elements is shown along a first side 16 of the stent cells 12 and 14, the stent elements including R shapes and U shapes, i.e., R-shaped stent elements and U-shaped stent elements. Generally, the R-shaped stent elements include a first straight portion s₁, followed by a first curved radius portion r₁, followed by a second curved radius portion r₂, followed by a third curved radius portion r₃, followed by a fourth curved radius portion r₄, followed by a second straight portion s₂. Generally, the U-shaped stent elements include a curved radius portion r₅. Stent element R₁ is connected to stent element R₂, which is connected to stent element U₁, which is connected to stent element R₃, which is connected to stent element R₄, which is connected to stent element U₂, which is connected to stent element R₁. The stent elements R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ are similar in shape but are oriented differently from one another with respect to a circumferential axis and/or a longitudinal axis. The stent elements U₁ and U₂ are facing in opposite directions with respect to a circumferential axis. The same repeating series of stent elements (arranged identically with respect to the circumferential axis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceeds along a second side 18 of the stent cells 12 and 14, but is offset such that the sequence begins with stent element R₃ which is directly adjacent R₁ of the series along the first side 16. Thus, beginning from the top of FIG. 1A along second side 18, the series of stent elements is R₃, R₄, U₂, R₁, R₂, U₁, R₃, etc.

The first side 16 is connected to the second side 18 via connectors C₁ and C₂ that each include a curved radius portion r₆. Stent element R₁ of the first side 16 is connected to stent element R₃ of the second side by connector C₁. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C, connector C₁ is attached to stent elements R₁ and R₃ at about the second radius portion r₂ and is oriented to be convex with respect to stent cell 12 and concave with respect to stent cell 14. Stent element R₄ of the first side 16 is connected to stent element R₂ of the second side 18 by connector C₂ also at about the second radius portion r₂ of each stent element R₄ and R₂, connector C₂ oriented oppositely with respect to connector C₁ such that connector C₂ is also convex with respect to stent cell 12 and concave with respect to stent cell 14. In other embodiments, the connectors along a given circumferential axis may be only C₁ connectors or C₂ connectors (e.g., see FIG. 2 ) such that all connectors are oriented in the same direction.

Beginning from the left side of FIG. 1A and moving toward the right side of FIG. 1A along the longitudinal axis L, stent cells 12 and 14 along circumferential axis A₁ are connected to stent cells 12 and 14 along circumferential axis A₃ by connectors C₁ and C₂. More specifically, adjacent stent cells 14 are connected by C₂ at stent elements R₄ and R₂ and by C₁ at stent elements R₁ and R₃ to thereby form a stent cell 12 therebetween. Accordingly, the same stent cell pattern of circumferential axes A₁ and A₃ is formed along axis A₂ offset by one stent cell with respect therewith. It is also noted that the same offset repeating pattern is observed along adjacent longitudinal axes. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C, the length of stent cells 12 and 14 (i.e., measured from one point on the longitudinal axis L to a different point on the longitudinal axis L) along circumferential axes A₁, A₂, A₃, etc. are the same along the length l of the stent 10. However, it is contemplated for other embodiments that the length of stent cells 12 and/or 14 along a given circumferential axis are longer or shorter than those of an adjacent circumferential axis. For example, in one embodiment, the length of the stent cells 12 and 14 are longer at the ends of the stent and shorter in the middle regions of the stent. Such a configuration provides a stiffer middle and softer ends to facilitate a certain desired expansion pattern. In the same way, although the height of stent cells 12 and 14 (i.e., measured from one point on a circumferential axis to a different point on the circumferential axis) along circumferential axes A₁, A₂, A₃, etc. are the same, it is contemplated that the height of stent cells 12 and 14 could vary along a given circumferential axis or could vary with respect to adjacent circumferential axes.

FIG. 1B is a top view of stent 10. In one embodiment, stent 10 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture. In one embodiment, the tube has a thickness of about 0.0075 inch and a diameter of about 5 mm. In an embodiment in which stent 10 is covered by one or more graft layers, stent 10 can be expanded to a larger diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), can be covered with the graft layer(s) at the as-cut diameter, or can be crimped to a smaller diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), following post processing steps such as, for example, electro-polishing. The foregoing embodiments are equally applicable to each of the stent architectures described herein.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-C, the width of selected stent elements is narrowed to promote uniform expansion of the stent. As discussed above, such uniform expansion is preferable, for example, for stents covered by graft material to avoid tearing or deformation of the graft material upon deployment. In other embodiments, the thickness of selected stent elements is reduced instead of, or in conjunction with, the narrowing of the width thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C, the width of the first straight portion s₁ of each stent element R₁-R₄ of stent 10 tapers or narrows toward the respective stent elements U₁ and U₂. In other embodiments, the first straight portions s₁ of only selected stent elements R₁-R₄ taper or narrow. In still other embodiments, different portions of the R-shaped elements may have a wider or narrower width than other portions thereof.

In FIG. 1C, widths w₁-w₅ are shown at different locations on the strut cells. Width w₁ is at a section of stent element R₃, width w₂ is at a section of stent element U₂ (which in the embodiment shown is the same width at the corresponding section of stent element U₁), width w₃ is at a section of stent element R₂, width w₄ is at a section of connector C₁, and w₅ is at a section of stent element R₁. In the embodiment shown, the widths at w₁, w₃, and w₅ are the same, the width at w₂ is less than the widths of w₁, w₃, and w₅, and the width at w₄ is less than the width at w₂. The width of the straight portion s₁ of stent elements R₁-R₄ narrows or tapers from the first curved radius portion r₁ thereof (e.g., width w₅) to the stent elements U₁-U₂ (e.g., width w₂) connecting the stent elements R₁-R₄. In one embodiment, which could be used in a vessel diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm (e.g., an illiac artery), the widths of w₁, w₃ and w₅ are in the range from about 0.0050 inch to about 0.0100 inch, for example about 0.0075 inch; the width at w₂ is in the range from about 0.0040 inch to about 0.0070 inch, for example about 0.0055 inch; and the width at w₄ is in the range from about 0.0025 inch to about 0.0055 inch, for example about 0.0035 inch. For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller or larger.

Also shown in FIG. 1C is the distance D₁ and D₂ of stent cell 14, where D₁ is measured from the center of radius of the curved radius portion r₃ of stent element R₃ to the center of radius of the curved radius portion r₅ of stent element U₂, and where D₂ is measured from the center of radius of the curved radius portion r₅ of stent element U₁ to the center of radius of the curved radius portion r₁ of stent element R₄. In the embodiment shown D₁ is equal to D₂, but in other embodiments D₁ could be greater than or less than D₂. In one embodiment the distances D₁ and D₂ are in the range from about 0.030 inch to about 0.060 inch, for example about 0.040 inch. Stent architectures with similar repeating stent elements and/or connectors, as described herein (e.g., stents 20, 30, 40, 50), could have the same or similar dimensions as those described in connection with stent 10.

Depending on the level of flexibility and bendability desired, the curved connectors C₁ and C₂ could be thinner (e.g., more flexible) or thicker (e.g., less flexible). Depending on the expansion characteristics desired, the cross-section of the stent elements could be altered. For example, if the R-shaped stent elements and U-shaped stent elements have the same dimensions, the U-shaped stent elements will naturally be more rigid; thus, to promote uniform expansion the U-shaped stent elements could be taller or thinner than the R-shaped stent elements. However, a taller U-shaped stent element could lead to a larger compressed profile, and therefore in the embodiment shown, the U-shaped stent elements have a width thinner than the R-shaped stent elements.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate stent 20 that has the same repeating stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 10; however, stent 20 differs from stent 10 in at least the following ways. First, the connectors are similarly oriented along each circumferential axis, where along odd-numbered circumferential axes A₁, A₃, etc. the connectors are C₂ connectors, and where along even-numbered circumferential axes A₂, A₄, etc. the connectors are C₁ connectors. In other embodiments, the connectors can be the same along one or more adjacent circumferential axes. In one embodiment, the widths of the stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂, and the connectors C₁ and C₂ for stent 20 can be the same as described above in connection with stent 10.

Second, stent 20 includes receiving members 22 extending from each of the opposing ends of the stent 20, the members 22 extending from each end stent element U₂ of stent cells 12. The receiving members 22 include a post portion 24 and an enlarged portion 26 at the end of the member 22 remote from the stent element U₂. In one embodiment, the enlarged portion 26 is sized to receive a radiopaque element, for example, a radiopaque element having a C-shape that fastens to the enlarged portion 26. In other embodiments, the enlarged portion may include a bore or opening sized to receive a radiopaque element therein, as shown in FIGS. 11A-B. In one embodiment, the width of the post portion 24 of the receiving members 22 is about 0.0055 inch, and the width of the enlarged member is about 0.0100. In one embodiment, the post portion 24 has a cylindrical shape and the enlarged portion 26 has a spherical shape or other atraumatic shape to prevent injury to the insertion vessel. As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the receiving members 22 have a length such that the end thereof aligns circumferentially with the outermost end of the stent elements at each opposing end of stent 20. By aligning the outermost ends of the stent elements and receiving members, in an embodiment including one or more graft layers, the graft layer(s) can be in the form of a tube without altering the ends thereof, the receiving members supporting the tubular ends of the graft layer(s) upon collapse and/or expansion of the stent. It is noted that the receiving members of FIGS. 2A-B could be incorporated into any of the other stent architectures described herein.

FIG. 2B is a top view of stent 20. In one embodiment, stent 20 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate stent 30 that has the same repeating stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 10; however, stent 30 differs from stent 10 with respect to the connectors between the stent cells 12 and 14. Stent 30 includes straight connectors C₃, which connect stent element R₁ to stent element R₃ and connect stent element R₂ to stent element R₄ at about the second radius portion r₂. In other embodiments, the connector C₃ connects only stent elements R₁ and R₃ or R₂ and R₄ to provide a more flexible architecture, for example such that there are three connectors C₃ along a given circumferential axis rather than the six connectors C₃ in stent 30. In one embodiment, the width of connectors C₃ are in the range of about 0.0050 inch to about 0.0100 inch, for example about 0.0075 inch. It should be appreciated that the widths and/or lengths of the connectors C₃ could vary along one or more circumferential axes and/or along one or more longitudinal axes, depending on the desired characteristics. For example, the width may be increased for a more rigid stent and decreased for a more flexible stent.

FIG. 3B is a top view of stent 30. In one embodiment, stent 30 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture.

FIG. 3C illustrates stent 30 in its collapsed configuration. Due to the inventive arrangement of stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂, the various shapes and curves of the stent cells fit together in a coordinated fashion, thereby providing a very small profile and facilitating collapse (or in the case of a balloon expandable stent, crimping) of the stent to a collapsed configuration. It is noted that the collapsed configuration of stents 10 and 20, although not shown herein, appear very similar to the collapsed configuration of stent 30 with respect to the stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate stent 40 with the same repeating stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 10; however, stent 40 utilizes connectors C₁, C₂ and C₃. In particular, the stent cells along the two end circumferential axes at both ends of the stent 40 are in the same configuration as stent 20, and the stent cells along the circumferential axes therebetween are connected by connectors C₃. FIG. 4B is a top view of stent 40. In one embodiment, stent 40 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture. FIG. 4C is a top view of stent 42, which is the stent architecture of stent 40 with the addition of receiving members extending from each of the opposing ends of the stent 40, as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-B.

FIG. 5A illustrates stent 50, which is similar to stent 40, but instead of the connectors C₃ being attached at about the second radius portion r₂ of stent elements R₁-R₄, they are attached at about the third radius portion r₃. Also, stent 50 includes receiving members 22 extending from each of the opposing ends of the stent 50, as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-B. FIG. 5B is a top view of stent 50. In one embodiment, stent 50 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture. FIG. 5C is a top view of stent 52, which is the stent architecture of stent 50 without the receiving members extending from the opposing ends.

FIGS. 6A-D illustrates stent 60 with a stent architecture having stent elements different from those of stents 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 shown in FIGS. 1-5 . That is, instead of R-shaped and U-shaped stent elements, stent 60 includes v-shaped stent elements v₁-v₄, indicated in the drawings as υ₁-υ₄, each of which include a first leg portion parallel to the longitudinal axis L, a peak portion, and a second leg portion angled with respect to the longitudinal axis, and V-shaped stent elements V₁-V₂. Beginning from the top left side of FIG. 6A, a repeating series of stent elements is shown along a first side 66 of the stent cells 62 and 64. The stent elements v₁, v₂, v₃, v₄ are similar in shape but are oriented differently from one another with respect to a circumferential axis and/or a longitudinal axis. The stent elements V₁ and V₂ are facing in opposite directions with respect to a circumferential axis L. The same repeating series of stent elements (arranged identically with respect to the circumferential axis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceeds along a second side 68 of the stent cells 62 and 64, but is offset such that the sequence begins with stent element v₃ which is directly adjacent v₁ of the series along the first side 66. Thus, beginning from the top of FIG. 6A along second side 68, the series of stent elements is v₃, v₄, V₂, v₁, v₂, V₁, v₃, etc. The first side 66 is connected to the second side 68 via connectors C₃. Stent element v₁ of the first side 66 is connected to stent element v₃ of the second side 68 at each instance along the circumferential axis A₁ in which stent elements v₁ and v₃ are adjacent one another. The connectors C₃ are attached to the stent elements v₁ and v₃ at about a peak portion thereof to align with the first leg portion thereof that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L. In stent 60, the connectors C₃ have a width equal to the width of the first leg portions of v₁ and v₃. The side of stent elements adjacent to the second side 68 (toward the middle of the stent 60) are connected to the second side 68 in the same manner, that is stent elements v₁ and v₃ are connected by connectors C₃ at locations where the peak portion of v₁ is adjacent the peak portion of v₃. This pattern continues down the length of the stent 60.

It is noted that stent elements v₂ and v₄ are not connected to one another by a connector when the peak portions thereof are adjacent one another. In other embodiments, these peak portions are connected by a connector, for example one of connectors C₁, C₂ or C₃. In yet other embodiments, instead of stent 60 including only connectors C₃, one or both of connectors C₁ and C₂ could be utilized (see, e.g. FIGS. 9A-C). In still other embodiments, the connectors could connect V₁ and V₂ instead of, or in addition to connecting v₁ and v₃ and/or v₂ and v₄. For example, in one embodiment, a straight connector could connect V₁ and V₂ at locations where the peak portions thereof are facing away from each other (i.e., across stent cell 62). It is also noted that, in the embodiment shown, the peak portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ are longitudinally spaced a distance D₃ from the peak portions of V₁ and V₂, which in one embodiment at a diameter of about 6 mm is in the range from about 0.010 inch to about 0.020 inch, for example about 0.015 inch. In other embodiments, the peak portions are circumferentially aligned.

FIG. 6B is a top view of stent 60. In one embodiment, stent 60 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture. In one embodiment, stent 60 has a diameter of about 6 mm and a thickness of about 0.0085 inch post electro-polishing. In an embodiment in which stent 60 is covered by one or more graft layers, stent 60 can be expanded to a larger diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), can be covered with the graft layer(s) at the as-cut diameter, or can be crimped to a smaller diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), following post processing steps such as, for example, electro-polishing. The foregoing embodiments are equally applicable to each of the stent architectures described herein.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-D, the width of selected portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ is tapered to a narrowed width for stent elements V₁-V₂ to promote uniform expansion of the stent. As discussed above, such uniform expansion is preferable, for example, for stents covered by graft material to avoid tearing or deformation of the graft material upon deployment. In other embodiments, the thickness of selected stent elements is reduced instead of, or in conjunction with, the tapered and narrowed of the widths thereof. In FIG. 6C, widths w₆-w₉ are shown at different locations on the strut cells. Width w₆ is at the beginning of second leg portion of stent element v₂, width w₇ is along the length of first leg portion of stent elements v₁ and v₂, width w₈ is at a section of stent element V₁, and width w₉ is at a section of connector C₃. In the embodiment shown, the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₉ are the same, and the width of w₈ is less than the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₉. It is noted that the first leg portions and peak portions of stent elements v₁-v₄ have the same width along the length thereof (i.e., w₆, w₇), but second leg portions of each of stent elements v₁-v₄ taper from width w₆ to width w₈ along the length thereof. In one embodiment, which could be used in a vessel diameter of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, the widths of w₆, w₇ and w₉ are in the range from about 0.0070 inch to about 0.0120 inch, for example about 0.0095 inch, and the width at w₈ is in the range from about 0.0040 inch to about 0.0090 inch, for example about 0.0065 inch. For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller or larger.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrates stent 70 with a stent architecture including v-shaped stent elements v₁-v₄, indicated in the drawings as υ₁-υ₄, each of which include a first leg portion parallel to the longitudinal axis L, a peak portion, and a second leg portion angled with respect to the longitudinal axis, and V-shaped stent elements V₁-V₂. Beginning from the top left side of FIG. 7A, a repeating series of stent elements is shown along a first side 76 of the stent cells 72 and 74. The stent elements v₁, v₂, v₃, v₄ are similar in shape but are oriented differently from one another with respect to a circumferential axis and/or a longitudinal axis. The stent elements V₁ and V₂ are facing in opposite directions with respect to a circumferential axis L. The same repeating series of stent elements (arranged identically with respect to the circumferential axis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceeds along a second side 78 of the stent cells 72 and 74, but is offset such that the sequence begins with stent element v₃ which is directly adjacent v₁ of the series along the first side 76. Thus, beginning from the top of FIG. 7A along second side 78, the series of stent elements is v₃, V₄, V₂, V₁, V₂, V₁, V₃, etc. The first side 76 is connected to the second side 78 via connectors C₃. Stent element v₁ of the first side 76 is connected to stent element v₃ of the second side 78 at each instance along the circumferential axis A₁ in which stent elements v₁ and v₃ are adjacent one another. The connectors C₃ are attached to the stent elements v₁ and v₃ at about a peak portion thereof to align with the first leg portion thereof that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L. In stent 70, the connectors C₃ have a width equal to the width of the first leg portions of v₁ and v₃. The side of stent elements adjacent to the second side 78 (toward the middle of the stent 70) are connected to the second side 78 in the same manner, that is stent elements v₁ and v₃ are connected by connectors C₃ at locations where the peak portion of v₁ is adjacent the peak portion of v₃. This pattern continues down the length of the stent 70.

It is noted that stent elements v₂ and v₄ are not connected to one another by a connector when the peak portions thereof are adjacent one another. In other embodiments, these peak portions are connected by a connector. In yet other embodiments, instead of stent 70 including only connectors C₃, other connector types could be utilized. In still other embodiments, the connectors could connect V₁ and V₂ instead of, or in addition to connecting v₁ and v₃ and/or v₂ and v₄. For example, in one embodiment, a straight connector could connect V₁ and V₂ at locations where the peak portions thereof are facing away from each other (i.e., across stent cell 72). In one embodiment, the peaks connected by one or more of the connectors C₃ could be touching, such that the effective length of one or more of the connectors C₃ is zero.

FIG. 7B is a top view of stent 70. FIG. 7D is an isometric view of stent 70. In one embodiment, stent 70 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture. In one embodiment, stent 70 has a diameter of about 6 mm and a thickness of about 0.0085 inch post electro-polishing. In an embodiment in which stent 70 is covered by one or more graft layers, stent 70 can be expanded to a larger diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), can be covered with the graft layer(s) at the as-cut diameter, or can be crimped to a smaller diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), following post processing steps such as, for example, electro-polishing.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-C, the width of selected portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ is tapered to a narrowed width for stent elements V₁-V₂ to promote uniform expansion of the stent. In other embodiments, the thickness of selected stent elements is reduced instead of, or in conjunction with, the tapered and narrowed of the widths thereof. In FIG. 7C, widths w₆-w₉ are shown at different locations on the strut cells. Width w₆ is at the beginning of second leg portion of stent element v₂, width w₇ is along the length of first leg portion of stent elements v₁ and v₂, width w₈ is at a section of stent element V₁, and width w₉ is at a section of connector C₃. In the embodiment shown, the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₉ are the same, and the width of w₈ is less than the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₉. It is noted that the first leg portions and peak portions of stent elements v₁-v₄ have the same width along the length thereof (i.e., w₆, w₇), but second leg portions of each of stent elements v₁-v₄ taper from width w₆ to width w₈ along the length thereof. In one embodiment, which could be used in a vessel diameter of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, the widths of w₆, w₇ and w₉ are in the range from about 0.0070 inch to about 0.0120 inch, for example about 0.0095 inch, and the width at w₈ is in the range from about 0.0040 inch to about 0.0090 inch, for example about 0.0065 inch. For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller or larger.

In FIG. 7C, the peak portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ are shown longitudinally spaced a distance D₃ from the peak portions of V₁ and V₂, which in one embodiment at a diameter of about 6 mm is in the range from about 0.005 inch to about 0.035 inch, for example about 0.018 inch. In other embodiments, the peak portions are circumferentially aligned. Also in FIG. 7C, the peak portions of the stent elements v₂ and v₄ are shown longitudinally spaced, respectively, a distance D₄ from the peak portions of the stent elements v₃ and v₁, which in one embodiment at a diameter of about 6 mm is in the range from about 0.005 inch to about 0.035 inch, for example about 0.012 inch. The distance D₄ provides increased spacing for the unconnected peaks to allow additional room for expansion to better ensure that the unconnected peaks don't come into contact during delivery and/or deployment.

FIGS. 8A-B show stent 80 with a stent architecture formed by a series of zig-zag rings formed from stent elements z₁-z₄ in the form of straight strut members positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis L and connected together by peak portions p₁-p₄, where stent element z₁ is connected to stent element z₂ by peak portion p₁, stent element z₂ is connected to stent element z₃ by peak portion p₂, stent element z₃ is connected to stent element z₄ by peak portion p₃, and stent element z₄ is connected to stent element z₁ by peak portion p₄. Adjacent zing-zag rings of repeating stent elements z₁-z₄ and p₁-p₄ are connected together by connectors C₃ to form stent cells 84 and 86. It is noted that the stent cells have the same shape along a given circumferential axis, and the stent cells along one circumferential axis are different from those of an adjacent circumferential axis. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A, the stent cells 84 formed through the connection of zig-zag ring 81 to zig-zag ring 82 are the same along circumferential axis A₁, but differ from the stent cells 86 along circumferential axis A₂ formed through the connection of zig-zag ring 82 to zig-zag ring 83. The different shapes of stent cells 84 and 86 are produced via an offset of stent elements in the zig-zag rings along a circumferential axis and by “flipping” the stent elements from one zig-zag ring to the next. Thus, zig-zag ring 82 is the mirror image of zig-zag ring 81 and is offset such that the peak portion p₃ of zig-zag ring 81 is connected to the peak portion p₁ of zig-zag ring 82, and zig-zag ring 83 is the mirror image of zig-zag ring 82 (i.e., the same orientation as zig-zag ring 81) and is offset such that the peak portion p₂ of zig-zag ring 82 is connected to the peak portion p₄ of zig-zag ring 83. This pattern repeats down the length of the stent 80.

It is notable that a line drawn through connectors C₃ along the longitudinal axis L is slightly angled with respect thereto as illustrated by path P₁ and path P₂. In one embodiment, the width of stent elements z₁ and z₂ taper in a direction toward peak portion p₁, which has a relatively smaller width, while the width of stent elements z₃ and z₄ is constant along the length thereof and is the same as the width of peak portions p₂, p₃, and p₄. In one embodiment, the width of stent elements z₃, z₄ and peak portions p₂, p₃, and p₄ is in the range from about 0.0050 inch to about 0.0100 inch, for example about 0.0075 inch, and the width of peak portion p₁ is in the range from about 0.0040 inch to about 0.0070 inch, for example about 0.0055 inch. In one embodiment, the width of connectors C₃ is the same as the width of peak portion p₁. For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller or larger.

FIG. 8B is a top view of stent 80. In one embodiment, stent 80 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrates stent 90 with the stent architecture of stent 60, but with connectors C₁ and C₂ rather than connectors C₃. As with stent 60, stent 90 includes v-shaped stent elements v₁-v₄, indicated in the drawings as v₁-v₄, each of which include a first leg portion parallel to the longitudinal axis L, a peak portion, and a second leg portion angled with respect to the longitudinal axis, and V-shaped stent elements V₁-V₂. Beginning from the top left side of FIG. 9A, a repeating series of stent elements is shown along a first side 95 of the stent cells 92 and 94. The stent elements v₁, v₂, v₃, v₄ are similar in shape but are oriented differently from one another with respect to a circumferential axis and/or a longitudinal axis. The stent elements V₁ and V₂ are facing in opposite directions with respect to a circumferential axis L. The same repeating series of stent elements (arranged identically with respect to the circumferential axis A₁ and longitudinal axis L) proceeds along a second side 97 of the stent cells 92 and 94, but is offset such that the sequence begins with stent element v₃ which is directly adjacent v₁ of the series along the first side 96. Thus, beginning from the top of FIG. 9A along second side 97, the series of stent elements is v₃, v₄, V₂, v₁, v₂, V₁, v₃, etc. The first side 95 is connected to the second side 97 via connectors C₁. The repeating series of stent elements along a third side 99 is the same as that of the first side 95. The third side 99 is connected to the second side 97 via connectors C₂.

It is noted that the connectors are the same along the circumferential axes A₁ and A₂ (either connectors C₁ or C₂) and the rows of connectors alternate along the length of the stent 90. Stent element v₁ of the first side 95 is connected to stent element v₃ of the second side 97 at each instance along the circumferential axis A₁ in which stent elements v₁ and v₃ are adjacent one another. The connectors C₁ are attached to the stent elements v₁ and v₃ at about a peak portion thereof to align with the first leg portion thereof that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The third side 99 is connected to the second side 97 in the same manner, that is stent elements v₁ and v₃ are connected by connectors C₂ at locations where the peak portion of v₁ is adjacent the peak portion of v₃. This pattern continues down the length of the stent 90. It is also noted that, in the embodiment shown, the peak portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ are longitudinally spaced a distance D₃ from the peak portions of V₁ and V₂, which in one embodiment is in the range from about 0.010 inch to about 0.020 inch, for example about 0.015 inch. In other embodiments, the peak portions are circumferentially aligned.

FIG. 9B is a top view of stent 90. In one embodiment, stent 90 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture. In one embodiment, stent 90 has a diameter of about 6 mm and a thickness of about 0.0085 inch post electro-polishing. In an embodiment in which stent 90 is covered by one or more graft layers, stent 90 can be expanded to a larger diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), can be covered with the graft layer(s) at the cut diameter, or can be crimped to a smaller diameter for covering with the graft layer(s), following post processing steps such as, for example, electro-polishing.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-C, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-D, the width of selected portions of the stent elements v₁-v₄ is tapered to a narrowed width for stent elements V₁-V₂ to promote uniform expansion of the stent. In other embodiments, the thickness of selected stent elements is reduced instead of, or in conjunction with, the tapered and narrowed of the widths thereof. In FIG. 9C, widths w₆-w₉ are shown at different locations on the strut cells. Width w₆ is at the beginning of second leg portion of stent element v₂, width w₇ is along the length of first leg portion of stent elements v₁ and v₂, width w₈ is at a section of stent element V₁, and width w₉ is at a section of connector C₁. In the embodiment shown, the widths of w₆ and w₇ are the same, the width of w₈ is less than the widths of w₆ and w₇, and the width of w₉ is less than the widths of w₆, w₇, and w₈. It is noted that the first leg portions and peak portions of stent elements v₁-v₄ have the same width along the length thereof (i.e., w₆, w₇), but second leg portions of each of stent elements v₁-v₄ taper from width w₆ to width w₈ along the length thereof. In one embodiment, which could be used in a vessel diameter of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, the widths of w₆ and w₇ are in the range from about 0.0070 inch to about 0.0120 inch, for example about 0.0095 inch, the width at w₈ is in the range from about 0.0040 inch to about 0.0090 inch, for example about 0.0065 inch, and the width at w₉ is in the range from about 0.0020 inch to about 0.0060 inch, for example about 0.0040 inch. For smaller or larger vessels, dimensions can be accordingly smaller or larger.

FIGS. 10A-B show stent 100, which is a variation of stent 60, having essentially the same stent architecture with the addition of zig-zag ring rings 102 and 104 at opposing proximal and distal ends. The ziz-zag rings are formed from stent elements 106, 107 in the form of straight strut members positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis L and connected together by peak portions 108 and 109. The zig-zag ring 102 is connected to the stent cells at stent element v₃ in three locations along circumferential axis A₁, and zig-zag ring 104 is connected to the stent cells at stent element v₁ in three locations along circumferential axis A₂. In other embodiments, the zig-zag rings 102 and 104 could be connected at other locations along the stent cells.

FIG. 10B is a top view of stent 100. In one embodiment, stent 100 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate stent 110 that has the same repeating stent elements R₁-R₄ and U₁-U₂ as stent 30; however, stent 110 differs from stent 30 with respect to the connectors. Whereas stent 30 includes straight connectors C₃, which connect stent element R₁ to stent element R₃ and connect stent element R₂ to stent element R₄ at about the second radius portion r₂, stent 110 includes straight connectors C₄ that connect stent element U₁ to stent element U₂ when stent elements U₁ and U₂ on adjacent sides/series, such as sides/series 112 and 114, face toward one another. In another embodiment, the straight connectors C₄ connect stent element U₁ to stent element U₂ when stent elements U₁ and U₂ on adjacent sides/series, such as sides/series 112 and 114, face away from one another. In yet another embodiment, the straight connectors C₄ connect all stent elements U₁ to all stent elements U₂ on adjacent sides/series (i.e., both those that face toward one another and those that face away from one another). In one embodiment, the width of connectors C₄ are in the range of about 0.0050 inch to about 0.0100 inch, for example about 0.0075 inch.). In one embodiment, the length of connectors C₄ are in the range of about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm, for example about 1.9 mm. It should be appreciated that the widths and/or lengths of the connectors C₄ could vary along one or more circumferential axes and/or along one or more longitudinal axes, depending on the desired characteristics. For example, the width may be increased for a more rigid stent and decreased for a more flexible stent. It should also be appreciated that the width of individual connectors C₄ could vary along the length thereof, for instance narrowing from one or both sides connecting the stent elements U₁-U₂ toward the middle of the connector C₄, or alternatively increasing in width from one or both sides connecting the stent elements U₁-U₂ toward the middle of the connector C₄.

Stent 110 includes receiving members 122 extending from each of the opposing ends of stent 110, the members 122 extending from each stent element U₂ (e.g., as shown, six total, three from each side). In one embodiment, the members 122 extend from less than all of the stent elements U₂ at one or both ends of stent 110. In one embodiment, the members 122 extend instead from one or more stent elements U₁ at one or both ends of stent 110. In one embodiment, the members 122 extend from one or more of both stent elements U₁ and U₂ at one or both ends of stent 110. Such alternate embodiments for the number and positioning of receiving members 122 are also contemplated with respect to receiving members 22 of FIGS. 2A-B and other stent architectures described herein. The receiving members 122 include a post portion a post portion 124 and an enlarged portion 126 at the end of the member 122 remote from the stent element U₂. The enlarged portion 126 includes a bore or opening 128 sized to receive a radiopaque element therein formed from gold, tantalum, platinum, tungsten, and/or other suitable radiopaque materials. In one embodiment, the width of the post portion 124 of the receiving members 122 is about 0.0095 inch, and the diameter of the bore or opening 128 is about 0.0145. The receiving members 122 have a length such that the end thereof generally aligns circumferentially with the outermost end of the stent elements at each opposing end of stent 110. By aligning the outermost ends of the stent elements and receiving members, in an embodiment including one or more graft layers, the graft layer(s) can be in the form of a tube without altering the ends thereof, the receiving members supporting the tubular ends of the graft layer(s) upon collapse and/or expansion of the stent. It is noted that the receiving members of FIGS. 11A-B could be incorporated into any of the other stent architectures described herein.

FIG. 11B is a top view of stent 110. In one embodiment, stent 110 is produced from a metal or polymer tube that is laser machined to form the stent architecture.

While the invention has been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figures described. For example, in any of the described stent architectures, the width, length and/or thickness of the stent elements and/or connectors may be varied to enhance desired performance. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. Therefore, to the extent there are variations of the invention, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An intraluminal prosthesis, comprising: a stent architecture comprising a plurality of stent rings extending along a longitudinal axis, adjacent stent rings connected by a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of stent rings comprising a series of stent elements repeating along a circumferential axis, the stent elements comprising: v-shaped stent elements having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a peak portion, the v-shaped stent elements having four distinct orientations with respect to the circumferential axis; and V-shaped stent elements connecting adjacent v-shaped stent elements such that the second leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements is connected to a V-shaped element, the second leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements narrowing in width toward the V-shaped stent element.
 2. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, further comprising one or more graft layers attached to the stent architecture.
 3. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 2, wherein the one or more graft layers include an inner ePTFE graft layer and an outer ePTFE graft layer.
 4. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 3, wherein the inner ePTFE graft layer and the outer ePTFE graft layer are positioned over the stent architecture as extruded tubes of unsintered ePTFE, and wherein the inner ePTFE graft layer and the outer ePTFE graft layer are sintered together through openings in the stent architecture.
 5. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the first leg portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis.
 6. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connectors are straight and connect facing peak portions of v-shaped stent elements of adjacent stent rings.
 7. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of connectors comprise a plurality of sets of three connectors along the longitudinal axis, each of the sets of three connectors including equidistantly spaced apart connectors.
 8. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 7, wherein the connectors of each of the sets of three connectors are aligned along the longitudinal axis.
 9. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connectors have a width equal to a width of the first leg portion of the v-shaped stent elements.
 10. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the peak portion of a first orientation of the v-shaped stent elements is longitudinally spaced a distance from the peak portion of a circumferentially adjacent second orientation of the v-shaped stent elements in at least one of the plurality of stent rings, wherein the peak portion of the first orientation and the peak portion of the second orientation are facing a first end of the intraluminal prosthesis.
 11. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 10, wherein the peak portion of a third orientation of the v-shaped stent elements is longitudinally spaced a distance from the peak portion of a circumferentially adjacent fourth orientation of the v-shaped stent elements in the at least one of the plurality of rings, wherein the peak portion of the third orientation and the peak portion of the fourth orientation are facing a second end of the intraluminal prosthesis.
 12. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 10, wherein the distance is in the range from about 0.005 inch to about 0.035 inch.
 13. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the peak portion of each of the v-shaped stent elements facing a first end of the intraluminal prosthesis is longitudinally spaced a distance from the V-shaped stent elements facing the first end of the intraluminal prosthesis in at least one of the plurality of stent rings.
 14. The intraluminal prosthesis according to claim 1, further comprising a first end ring at a first end of the intraluminal prosthesis and a second end ring at a second end of the intraluminal prosthesis opposite the first end, each of the first end ring and the second end ring comprising straight stent strut members positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis and connected together in a zig-zag configuration. 